4 Embarrassing Questions About Your Body, Answered

As women, our bodies do lots of crazy things, some of which may have us wondering, Is that normal? And though many totally normal bodily functions may seem a little weird, we don’t always ask a medical professional for a breakdown of what’s really going on because, well, it can be a little awkward. But searching WebMD can really only get your so far, and embarrassment should not be a deterrent to proper healthcare, ladies, so we did the asking for you. In our latest video, Dr. Raj gets down to the nitty-gritty of what’s really happening with your body, specifically:

Something smells fishy, down there.

“It’s totally normal for your vagina to have a certain amount of odor,” explains Dr. Raj. “We’re not meant to smell like roses down there.” However, if what you’re smelling is much stronger than usual, then you might have an infection, so you should get checked out by a doctor. But in the meantime, step away from the douche or any other harsh cleansers—those can make the smell worse and mess with the pH of your vagina.

You’re extra gassy during your period.

Totally normal, says Dr. Raj, because of the hormonal shifts that happen during your period. Her recommendation? Stay away from foods that might make it worse, such as broccoli or cabbage.

There’s hair around your nipples.

A few stray hairs are common for women, especially as we get older and for those with darker hair. If they really bother you, it’s safe to pluck them. But if the hair is really thick? This could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, and you should be seen by a doctor.

You lost your tampon—inside you.

Don’t go on a solo mission to retrieve it—you might hurt yourself. Dr. Raj says that going in to see your doctor is the best course of action here. Sometimes we all need a little help.